2 Corinthians 4:16–18: Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Alongside Paul’s hope in future resurrection was his hope in future transformation. He did not lose heart because his old sinful man was “wasting away” in blessed deconstruction while his new self in Christ was “being renewed day by day.” And he looked forward to his final transformation at Christ’s appearing. He remained heartened because the weight of the afflictions of ministry were nothing compared to the weight of glory for which they were preparing him. And he endured because he looked past the transitory to the eternal. He knew, to quote Lewis, that “whatever is not eternal is eternally out of date.” Because Paul’s focus was on the future resurrection and transformation, he was: squeezed but not squashed; bewildered but not befuddled; pursued but not abandoned; knocked down but not knocked out. What are you living for? It’s never too late to get it right. Don’t waste your life. 1
Personal Application
- Read Romans 8:18 and 8:28. What difficulty is God working out for the good?
Godly Encouragement
- Put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. –Colossians 3:10
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
Looking beyond the obvious causes us to trust in Him alone. – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, life is very hard, but the hope of heaven with You, softens all this hardness.
1. Hughes, R. K. (2006). 2 Corinthians: power in weakness. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
